Month: October 2017

We all want the best for our children! As they enter adulthood this typically includes a job that pays well, is fulfilling, and rewarding. What should your child do in college to ensure they achieve this ideal? A successful career exploration process provides insight, experience, and connections that ensure your child identifies and secures a meaningful and successful career. Here’s how you can help…

Insight

Far too many students pick a career with little understanding of what it will truly entail. A recent survey of high school seniors showed that 23% chose their career based off a TV show or movie. Young adults need a real and thorough understanding of what an occupation will mean for them. Are jobs in this field prevalent in certain parts of the country/world? Does the profession exist in a variety of industries? What skills are needed and what personality types do well? What are the educational requirements, are their certifications/accreditations required, and how much time and money will that cost? What are the typical advancement opportunities? What industry or economic factors influence this profession/industry? How has the professional changed and how will it change in the coming years?

So encourage your student to do their research! There is great information online and we recommend checking out O*net (onetonline.org). Students also need to get involved with the profession through reading trade magazines, listening to podcasts, attending meet-ups, join associations, and do informational interviews. As students learn about the profession they may learn that it isn’t what they thought it would be. However, if this insight solidifies their decision than they will have great industry knowledge when it comes time to get a job.

Experience

Students must get at least one internship! We recommend students intern at least the summer between their junior and senior year. There is nothing like actual hands-on experience in the profession to help them decide if this is the right career for them. 72% of students made minor or significant changes to their major or career choice as a result of their internship experience. Plus they will also build skills that future employers are looking for and connections that will help them in their job search.

Encourage your child to take advantage of fall & winter on-campus internship job fairs as well as seek out opportunities through their career center. Companies are increasingly posting internships on traditional job boards like Indeed.com or Internqueen.com as well.

Connections

The world of work is built on who you know. If your child’s career exploration process has included the above recommendations they will have built a strong network of industry contacts. Attending meet-ups, association meetings, conducting informational interviews and internship experiences will provide a robust network of contacts. Help your student learn to build and maintain these relationships by teaching them general networking etiquette including:

Be responsive, return phone calls or emails within 24 hours.

Be friendly and professional in all communications. No emojis. No exclamation marks.

Be prepared to tell their story. When meeting new people they will almost certainly be asked ask about their background and why they are interested in the field, company, job, etc. Students need to be ready with a crisp answer.

Write a thank you email expressing their appreciation for the contact’s time. Make it personal referencing something from their discussion.

Connect with the person on LinkedIn after the informational interview.

Stay in touch! If they see a relevant event, article, or book that the person might be interested in, forwarding that on is a great way to stay in touch. Students should also periodically give the person updates on their job search or when they secure a position.

As your student develops insight, experience and connections they will develop a firm understanding of the occupation they choose as well as build the knowledge, skills and connections they need to secure a great first job out of college. Want more information on how you can support your student throughout the college years? Join us for our “Help Your College Student Find a Meaningful Career” free workshop on November 6, 2017. Get more information and register at http://careerprepsite.com/events